It is no secret that the Nets are looking for their 3rd star. They want to get a 3rd superstar anyway possible. Well, now we know who they have their sights set on. Wizards 2 guard Bradley Beal appears to be their number one target. Will Brooklyn be able to land Beal in a trade? Now that remains to be seen.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News was the first to report the news:
“Immersed in their championship window, the Brooklyn Nets are in the market for a third star and have internally discussed avenues of acquiring Wizards guard Bradley Beal, the Daily News has learned.
It’s unclear whether Beal will become available, though his circumstances have prompted speculation. The two-way guard is among the league’s highest-paid players and on a Wizards team with a low ceiling. He signed a two-year, $72 million extension last year that quelled trade rumors but Washinton (24-40) is again lottery-bound.
The Nets will have to match salaries for any trade, with Beal earning roughly $29 million next season. Assuming Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are off limits, the Nets’ best assets are Spencer Dinwiddie ($11.5 million), Caris LeVert ($16.2 million) and Jarrett Allen ($3.9 million).”
Dinwiddie, LeVert, and Allen are a pretty good start to any trade talks. Throw in Joe Harris who can also be used in a sign and trade. The Nets have pieces to get a deal done. LeVert being the biggest value of all. A rapidly improving player who comes with a very reasonable contract. Add in draft capital and you’re talking.
If the Nets are able to land a trade for Beal, they should be considered title contenders if not strong favorites to win it all. The way Kevin Durant recovers from the Achilles injury may be the biggest storyline of all.
